March 13 (Wed) 7pm - Private Pilot Checkride Stories

Event Date:

Wednesday, March 13, 2019 - 7:00pm

Calling all student pilots. Regardless of where you are on your journey to becoming a private pilot, there is one big step between being a student pilot and having a pilot certificate: the checkride. There is a lot of mystery and misconception surrounding a checkride. From the paperwork to the oral exam to the cross-country planning to the maneuvers, there are many skills a student pilot must show a Designated Pilot Examiner in order to earn a private pilot certificate.

Join three private pilots who recently earned their wings as they share their checkride story. In this panel discussion, come gain clarity on the checkride experience and ask questions to pilots who were in your shoes not long ago.

Michael Batshon is studying mechanical engineering at Santa Clara University. He has always had an interest in aviation and credits a trip to Hiller Aviation Museum when he was three years old with sparking his love for airplanes. He always wanted to become a private pilot and decided to start learning as soon as possible.

After receiving his bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University, John Lindstrom began working in California in software development since the early 1990s. Growing up in a Navy family, he ran into quite a few pilots and realized that, without exception, they were all simply put, "cool". As an avid Radio Control airplane builder and flyer, he has always had an interest in all things aviation. Before taking his discovery flight, he would look upwards on clear days and just enjoy the scenery, but since that day, he can't help but think: "beautiful sky, I'd really like to insert my plane right there..."

Robbie Allan is originally from New Zealand, having moved to the US in 2011 to get his MBA at Cal. He got into flying while living in NYC, when a client took him flying over the Hamptons and Montauk one summer. When he's not flying, Robbie is a Product Manager at Intercom, a venture-funded B2B software company, and loves to ski and cook.

After just failing to break the SCFC record for training hours, Andy earned his PPC in February of last year. Since then he has obtained a high-performance endorsement and recently completed Cirrus Transition training. He and his wife are actively exploring California are looking forward to longer adventures in the future.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area's most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2018 as the best flight school in the West.

SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminar and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.